There has been a mounting concern that there are moves afoot to push through a decision on nuclear power over the next few months. The following was reported from a cabinet meeting on 9 November:

“2.9 Establishment of the National Nuclear Energy Executive Coordination Committee
Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Nuclear Energy Executive Coordination Committee (NNEECC) to implement a phased decision making approach to the nuclear programme. Cabinet further approved the establishment of the nuclear energy technical committee (NETC) to support the NNEECC.”

Of particular concern is the technical committee. Past experience suggests that this technical committee will be heavily staffed by representatives from the nuclear industry, who will be giving predicable ‘advice’ to the NNEECC. Unfortunately the PAIA act (s. 12(a)) specifically excludes “Cabinet and its Committees” from being subject to the Act. This means that the South African public have no means of knowing who is plotting the future nuclear course of South Africa, let alone what advice they are giving cabinet.